Accountability and scrutiny: The issues for local government in a changing political environment

As the shape of public services and institutions evolve, and in times of economic uncertain and major changes like Brexit, the responsiveness of local public services will be critical. The public have a right to know how major decisions are made, what might be expected in terms of outcomes, and how public services can work to improve lives and places.

Within this context, the role of good governance and scrutiny is critical to public trust and confidence in decision-making. In times of uncertainty and significant change, it is important that decisions are made in a way that is transparent, involves others and holds to account those responsible for implementation. However, this report Accountability and scrutiny: The issues for local government in a changing political environment, developed on behalf of APSE by the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS), suggests that scrutiny processes are perceived as weak and fail to have impact.

The full report is available to download for free. To purchase a hard copy, please complete the form below.

For further information, please contact Mo Baines at APSE on 0161 772 1810 or email mbaines@apse.org.uk.

Promoting excellence in public services

APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not for profit unincorporated association working with over 300 councils throughout the UK. Promoting excellence in public services, APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority frontline services, hosting a network for frontline service providers in areas such as waste and refuse collection, parks and environmental services, cemeteries and crematorium, environmental health, leisure, school meals, cleaning, housing and building maintenance.